Rhys Montrose is a character who has become the center of drama and mystery in Season 4 of “You” on Netflix. Played by the talented Ed Speleers, Rhys is a character shrouded in complexity and hidden depths.
In this blog post, we’re going to dive deep into the enigma that is Rhys Montrose, exploring his background, his connection with Joe Goldberg, and the shocking twist that redefines his character.
Rhys Montrose: A Man of Paradoxes
To truly understand Rhys Montrose, one must first unravel the layers of his life. Rhys is not your typical upper-crust Londoner. Born into poverty to a single mother, he shares a kindred spirit with Joe Goldberg, the series’ infamous protagonist. Both men emerged from challenging backgrounds but took divergent paths.
Rhys, however, discovered his aristocratic lineage and transitioned into the world of politics, aiming to become London’s next mayor. His journey is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. He’s surrounded by a circle of friends from his Oxford days, including art dealer Kate and academic Malcolm. Despite his checkered past, these friends have forgiven him, a testament to his ability to forge genuine connections and find the good in people.
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Rhys’s Book: A Catalyst for Change
Rhys’s transformation was catalyzed by his book, “A Good Man in a Cruel World.” This memoir, hailed by Joe Goldberg as one of the finest he’s ever read, speaks volumes about Rhys’s character. It reflects his deep curiosity about the human condition and his belief that everyone deserves a second chance. This outlook aligns him with Joe, and their heart-to-heart conversations during Part 1 of the series delve into topics like privilege, redemption, and the complexities of their social circle.
Joe and Rhys: A Unique Connection
Joe Goldberg, known for his antisocial tendencies, finds an unexpected friend in Rhys Montrose. Their connection is forged not only through shared experiences but also through a mutual struggle to form genuine connections with others.
Rhys’s ability to navigate various social paths resonates with Joe, who has always found it challenging to establish meaningful relationships. However, their connection takes a dramatic turn in the series. The lines between reality and illusion blur as Rhys’s true nature is unveiled.
Rhys Montrose Shocking Twist
Apologies to those who were just getting to know Rhys as the enigmatic character he appeared to be. In a surprising twist, it’s revealed that Rhys Montrose is not a real person but a creation of Joe Goldberg’s increasingly fractured mind.
Rhys initially appears as a charismatic and charming friend to London’s elite, but in the Part 1 finale, he reveals his true identity as the serial killer Joe has been pursuing. What ensues is a thrilling cat-and-mouse game as Joe tries to outsmart Rhys, who conveniently makes Joe look like a hero in comparison.
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The Revelation: Joe’s Split Personality
The shocking revelation about Rhys Montrose is that he’s an embodiment of Joe’s darkest impulses and behaviors. Rhys serves as a reflection of Joe’s own fractured psyche. This revelation also exposes Joe as the true “Eat the Rich Killer,” a startling discovery that sends shockwaves through the series.
The concept of “Rhys” as a manifestation of Joe’s mind becomes increasingly clear as the series unfolds. Joe suffers from a condition known as erotomania, where he believes he is the object of another person’s desire. His passionate yet antagonistic relationship with Rhys was nothing more than a delusion. The “Eat the Rich” crimes that Joe had been investigating were occurring during his fugue states, blurring the line between reality and illusion.
From Fight Club to “You”
Ed Speleers, who portrays Rhys Montrose, drew inspiration from the film “Fight Club” while preparing for his role. While there are thematic similarities between Rhys and Tyler Durden, Speleers emphasizes that the storytelling approach in “You” is distinct. The careful blocking and guidance from executive producers Michael Foley and showrunner Sera Gamble were crucial in maintaining the illusion of Rhys until the shocking reveal.
The Real vs. Imaginary Rhys
Throughout the series, Joe’s encounters with Rhys are a mixture of reality and illusion. Their season premiere meet-cute at Sundry House, heart-to-heart conversations at the bar, and even their threatening text exchanges were all products of Joe’s imagination. Joe only had two real encounters with the actual Rhys – a nod at a funeral and a confrontation in the countryside that led to Rhys’s demise.
Speleers’s portrayal of the real Rhys remained consistent with the imaginary version because both versions originate from the same person – Joe himself. The real Rhys had limited screen time and was primarily depicted as a terrified individual, given his traumatic encounter with Joe.
